One killed, five injured in non-racing crash at Bonneville

One person died and several others were injured in a non-racing accident at the Bonneville Salt Flats on Wednesday morning during Speed Week.

The crash involved a pickup truck with four occupants and a minivan with two occupants, KSTU-Fox 13 reports, citing investigators. The Toole County Sheriff's Office confirmed one fatality; three patients were flown by helicopter to a local hospital and two were transported by ground.

A joint statement from Pat McDowell, president and race director for the Southern California Timing Association – Speed Week's sanctioning body – and Bonneville Nationals Inc. chairman Bill Lattin identified the victims as members of support teams.

"Today we had a traffic accident involving two support teams," the statement read. "Tragically we have one confirmed fatality. There were five other victims that are being treated at University Medical Center in Salt Lake City. The accident is currently under investigation by the Toole Sheriff's Department. Further updates on the victims will be given as we receive them.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims, families and friends.

"As racers, we understand that racing is a dangerous sport. Although this was not a racing accident, the loss is felt by all of us on the salt and we race on with heavy hearts."

McDowell told KSTU that racing would continue as scheduled.

"We're gonna race," McDowell said. "That's what we came to do. Our hearts are sad for the people injured and the loss of life. People who race know there's danger involved, and we're gonna continue racing and finish our week and do the best we can."